Topics: Football, Liverpool, Transfers, Premier League, Anfield, Roberto Firmino, Firmino
A Liverpool star could be set for an unexpected departure after footage emerged of him in tears after the club’s weekend draw to Aston Villa.
Saturday was an emotionally charged day at Anfield as the club said goodbye to four of its most important performers during the Jurgen Klopp era.
After the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, the Liverpool squad re-emerged from the dressing room to form a guard of honour, with the departing Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner afforded generous ovations from team-mates and fans.
But it was Roberto Firmino who received the loudest applause. The Brazilian, who during the game netted his 110th and potentially final Liverpool goal, was in tears at the full-time whistle as he made an emotional farewell to the Anfield crowd.
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The four players, who have all come to the end of their Liverpool contracts, were presented with a framed picture by Reds legend Sir Kenny Dalglish.
However, another Liverpool star, Konstantinos Tsimikas, also appeared emotional at the final whistle, which has led to speculation he may have played his last game in front of the Anfield faithful.
Amid a set of emotional goodbyes, Tsimikas was caught weeping into his Liverpool shirt at full-time.
The Greece international has made 27 appearances in all competitions for the Reds this term, providing six assists in the process, yet he remains stuck behind Andy Robertson in the pecking order.
And Tsimikas’ tears, paired with the extra attention the 27-year-old took to applaud the Kop at the final whistle, has led to speculation he will be among those departing in the summer.
Of course, Tsimikas' emotions were heightened shortly after Firmino’s guard of honour, meaning he may well have just been sad about the departing Brazilian.
However, the left-back’s game time is likely to be further affected next term should Klopp continue with his new system, which sees Robertson drop in as a third centre-back during attacking transitions to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to move into midfield.
In turn, his on-pitch reaction could have a deeper meaning.
